Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains Arrival Information

Arriving at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Check-in: 3:00 p.m.

Check Out: 10:00 a.m.

Address: 1015 Laurel Lick Road Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Click here to find us on Google Maps.

Make sure to view and download our Welcome Book before your stay to explore all the features and amenities available at camp.

Important Information on Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Park Fees and Passes

Reservations are not required at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes.

Parking Tag Information

  • Three tag durations are available for purchase for visitors:
    • Daily – $5
    • Weekly – $15
    • Annual – $40

Parking tags are available for purchase at any of the park’s Visitor Centers or in advance online.

Tips for Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Plan Ahead: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your visit and avoid crowds.
  • Arrive Early or Late: To beat the crowds, consider visiting popular spots early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This also provides better opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
  • Check the Weather: The weather in the Smokies can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, including rain and cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
  • Stay on Marked Trails: For your safety and to protect the park’s ecosystem, always stay on designated trails and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and follow the Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park’s natural beauty.

Please visit the National Park Service website for most up to date information surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains FAQs

  • Are the Smoky Mountains part of the Appalachian Mountains?

    Yes, the Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range rising along the Tennessee–North Carolina border.

  • How far is Gatlinburg from the Smoky Mountains?

    Gatlinburg is 5 miles or a 15-minute drive from the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains is a 10-minute drive from Gatlinburg.

  • What is the best month to visit the Smoky Mountains?

    The best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park is April through December, when the weather is comfortable.

  • Why are the Smoky Mountains smoky?

    The “smoke” in the Great Smoky Mountains is actually fog! Famously known as “The Land of the Blue Smoke”, the fog often appears blue because it reflects blue light from the sky.

  • Do the tents have air conditioning?

    Our tents do not have air conditioning. If you are visiting in the summer please keep this in mind. They do have USB fans and misting systems to help cool the tents a little.

     

  • Is there electricity in the tents?

    In order to provide an experience that allows guests to disconnect and feel truly immersed in nature, and to minimize the use of precious resources, there is no electricity or outlets in the tents. However, there are battery-powered fans and lanterns with USB plugs so you can charge at least two cell phones. USB-C charging adaptors are available upon request on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be sure to bring your own charging cable if you require anything other than a USB. If you need a powered battery for a CPAP or medical device, just let us know in advance of your stay so that we can request one. Powered batteries are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Is there Wi-Fi?

    At Under Canvas we believe connecting with those around us and exploring the great outdoors is invaluable. For this reason, we do not have any Wi-Fi at any of our locations.

    Want to unplug, be present, and unwind? Check out our Camp Programming page for an example list of on-site activities that may be offered during your stay.

  • What is the weather like in the Great Smoky Mountains?

    Before your visit, please check the weather forecast and pack for a variety of conditions. The Great Smoky Mountains’ diverse elevations and dense forests can create unpredictable weather patterns. During especially dry periods, a fire ban may be in place in the area. We advise preparing for cooler evenings, as fire restrictions might limit the use of wood stoves.

Driving Directions

Our address is 1015 Laurel Lick Road Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Click here to find us on Google Maps.

From Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
From Pigeon Forge Parkway (US321) turn onto Conner Heights Rd/Indian Cir Dr (Streetlight labeled #10). Continue for 0.5 miles onto Mill Creek Rd. In 0.7 miles, just after passing the Smoky Mountain Ziplines turn left at the bridge to stay on Mill Creek Rd. You will pass some horse stables on your left, just over the bridge. Note: You may lose cell service from here.

Continue straight on Mill Creek Rd which become Laurel Lick Rd. There is a large cabin on the right at the bend on the road. The driveway to camp will be on the left after some mailboxes, and before the pond. If you pass the pond, you have gone too far.

Additional Information for Your Stay

S'mores at Under Canvas

Camp Programming at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Experience yoga amongst the trees, live music during dinner, s’mores around the firepit, and more are available throughout the week at camp. Check out the board in the lobby tent when you arrive for programming happening during your stay.

Breakfast at Embers Cafe

On-Site Dining at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

Enjoy locally sourced and seasonal menu items, hot breakfasts, and grab ‘n go lunch items at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Select dates to view availability.